After a week with a 3-1 record, the Devils though they had turned the corner and finally could get back into their long journey to being a playoff contender. However, after tonight, that path just got a whole lot longer. The Canadiens scored 5 goals in less than 30 minutes of play into the game and never looked back as they routed the Devils 5-1 at Prudential Center. Ex Devils Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez scored for the Habs along with Tom Pyatt, Lars Eller, and Benoit Pouliot. Jason Arnott scored for the Devils for his team leading 9th of the season.
So, it looks like the 4 day break killed any momentum the Devils had riding, but any is definitely a lot of momentum. The Devils had a 2 minute 5 on 3 in the end of the 2nd, but generated very little on it. Coach John MacLean felt like benching half of the team, but ended up juggling lines. Johan Hedberg was pulled less than three minutes into the game after the Habs jumped to a quick 2-0 lead and Mike McKenna did not fare any better, though the only positive was stopping the penalty shot by Tomas Plekanec. Stephen Gionta was invisible in a match-up which pitted him against his brother and Canadiens captain Brian Gionta.
Now, the question is, with the lack of scoring, should Lou Lamoriello break the ice and shake up his team? The answer is up to him, but many feel the Devils need a spark and with the Holiday Roster/Trade freeze coming up, it might be time for the Devils to make a move and it could very well be a trade including a coaching change. Nobody knows, but the past 4 games could be a good indication that changes are needed. The Devils need puck moving defensemen and a quality center to play alongside Ilya Kovalchuk, who is having a disastrous year with no signs of exploding for goals. We shall see what happens, but with tonight's loss, the Devils have taken a massive step back.
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